100 Years of Franz Xaver Rieger
On August 3, 2026, our company founder, Franz Xaver Rieger, would have turned 100.
Born on August 3, 1926, Franz Xaver Rieger grew up as the sixth of eight children. From an early age, he learned to take on responsibility, pitch in, and tackle challenges with determination—qualities that would shape his entire life.
As a trained metalworker, he lived through World War II and Germany’s difficult reconstruction. At a time when many people were primarily seeking security, he chose a different path. Alongside his regular job, he began to immerse himself with great passion in the field of electroplating, which was still relatively unknown at the time. With technical expertise, perseverance, and a strong determination to build something of his own, he laid the foundation for his life’s work.
In October 1953, he founded the “Galvanische Anstalt und Stahlrohrmöbelfabrikation” in Heidenheim an der Brenz. The first production facilities were located in a converted chicken coop—a humble beginning that impressively demonstrates that great stories often start small.
His wife, Tamara Rieger, stood by his side from the very beginning. Together, they overcame the challenges of starting the company and getting it off the ground in its early years. While Franz Xaver Rieger drove the company’s technical development, Tamara Rieger was an indispensable pillar of support. As in many family businesses of that era, she played a key role in ensuring that a small startup could grow into a successful family business.
Franz Xaver Rieger was characterized by curiosity, technical expertise, and a commitment to constantly improving things. His innovative spirit led him to make a name for himself in the field of surface technology far beyond his own company. At the same time, he always remained down-to-earth and firmly believed that sustainable success is based on quality, reliability, and honest collaboration.
Over the course of more than seven decades, that small business grew into today’s Rieger Metallveredlung GmbH & Co. KG. What began back then with courage, craftsmanship, and great personal dedication is carried on today by subsequent generations. Innovation, responsibility, and the drive to continually improve remain integral parts of the company’s culture to this day.
On the occasion of his 100th birthday, we remember Franz Xaver Rieger with deep gratitude—an entrepreneur whose life’s work extends far beyond buildings and machinery. He established values that continue to guide our company to this day.
We would also like to thank his wife, Tamara Rieger, who has supported him on this journey from the very beginning and played a decisive role in shaping it.
The legacy of Franz and Tamara Rieger lives on in our company every day.